Ultimate Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni
A soul-warming classic featuring an ultra-creamy mornay sauce, a blend of sharp cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan, topped with buttery toasted breadcrumbs.
How to Make Ultimate Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni
Total time: 50 min · Yields 6 servings
- 1
Boil the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente; the pasta will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- 2
Make the Roux and Béchamel
In a large saucepan, melt 60g of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling and pale golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps remain. Simmer for 5-8 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- 3
Incorporate the Cheese
Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the mustard powder, nutmeg, and 3/4 of the total cheese mixture (cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan). Stir until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 4
Combine and Top
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko, melted butter, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the pasta, followed by the breadcrumb mixture.
- 5
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the breadcrumbs are deeply golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Chef's Tips
- Always grate your own cheese from blocks; pre-shredded cheese is coated in potato starch which prevents a smooth melt.
- Don't overcook the pasta initially; it should still have a firm 'bite' before going into the oven.
- Warm your milk slightly before adding it to the roux to prevent clumps and speed up thickening.
What to Serve with Ultimate Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni
The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.
- Serve alongside BBQ ribs or fried chicken.
- Pair with a simple green salad to cut through the richness.
- Top with sliced jalapeños or crispy bacon bits for an extra kick.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, let it cool completely, and refrigerate. Add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time when cooking from cold.
What is the best pasta shape besides elbows?
Cavatappi, shells, or radiatori work beautifully as they have ridges and hollows that trap the cheese sauce.
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